In the four previous times since '95 the team would fail to take home the cup only once (1995), and no series went longer than five games, with three of them coming in a four-game sweep. Detroit got here this year with playoff series wins over the Nashville Predators (4-2), the Colorado Avalanche (4-0), and the Dallas Stars (4-2).
The Pittsburgh Penguins, on the other hand, have not tasted NHL glory since winning back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992, when they beat the Minnesota North Stars (now the Dallas Stars) 4-2 and then swept the Chicago Blackhawks in four games the next year to take the cup. They did not return to the finals until this year. The Penguins have been through some hard times in recent years, posting four losing records in five seasons between 2001 and 20061. However, the resurgent Penguins, under third-year phenom Sidney Crosby have posted two straight 40-win seasons, and went to the playoffs last year for the first time since that 1991-92 championship team. This year they reached the finals by defeating the Ottawa Senators (4-0), the New York Rangers (4-1), and the Philadelphia Flyers (4-1).
With home-ice locked up by Detroit, the Redwings won the first two games without giving up a single goal, all the while scoring seven of their own. It looked at that point as though it would be a quick series, possibly even a sweep. However, when the series went to "The Igloo" in Pittsburgh, the Penguins were able to notch their first win, beating the Redwings, 3-2. It should come as no surprise that the Penguins were able to take game three at home, as they hadn't lost there since February 24, in a game against San Jose that ended in a shootout.
Pittsburgh got off to a fast start in game four, as Marian Hossa scored the game's first goal only 2:51 into the first period. The Penguins were aiming for another game three-like performance.
Detroit quickly answered with a goal of its own, though, scored by Nicklas Lindstrom at 7:06 immediately after the powerplay expired. That would be the last goal scored by either team until the third period, when Detroit's Jiri Hudler would score the go-ahead only 2:26 into the period.
It looked at that point that Detroit had a firm grip on the game, as its pressure was not allowing the Penguins any breaks. But Pittsburgh was given one last gift: a five-on-three power play at 10:10 in the third period. However, Detroit was not about to let the Penguins back into the game, as it successfully killed the penalties without giving up a score.
After the game, Pittsburgh coach, Michel Therrien, commented on the blown opportunity.
"Tough to explain. And there's no doubt we needed to get that goal. We didn't execute well. We got a good chance to tie up the game right there, and we didn't do the job," said Therrien to ESPN.com
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